The Elf by Max Dune blitz with giveaway
The Elf
Max Dune
Publication date: October 18th 2016
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
This Christmas…it’s war. Grab your weapon and join the fight in this modern Santa Claus retelling with a dark twist. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar will be riveted by The Elf‘s action, humor and romance!Elves are dying in the North Pole, and none of their scientists can find a cure. They believe it’s a virus, unleashed by a powerful enemy. All signs point to Jack Frost, who’s been biding his time from afar. Watching. Waiting. Plotting. One brave elf, to save his kind, will venture out to meet evil in the eye. But he uncovers a mystery more dangerous than he could have ever imagined. Now Lucian must join a group of warriors and fight. Fuego; a flame-wielding pyro. Tiktok; a brilliant bomb expert, Yuriko; a deadly ninja assassin. And Bullets; a hot-headed gun aficionado. These unlikely heroes must learn to work together and defeat the rising evil. Or Christmas will soon be lost…forever.
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BOOK TRAILER
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EXCERPT:
“Where are you going?” I taunt. “There’s nowhere to hide.”
Jack Frost doesn’t answer. Under the canopy of winter-crystallized trees, he crawls across the snow. His tall, muscular body leaves a trail of berry-red blood behind him. He looks desperate to put distance between us.
I begin to whistle softly and draw closer to admire my handiwork. Broken nose. Swollen eye. An arrow buried deep in his leg. Ah, such a beautiful sight to behold. I turn to Blitzen, my most loyal of companions, and smile. “Thank you, friend. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it.”
Blitzen gives an affirmative snort, staying close to our sleigh and supplies. His strong legs and zesty spirit had kept me alive for the last two weeks. The Artic is a cold house for the unwary. Nothing in it ever stirs. Nothing moves. Nothing sings. Yet he had guided me through it, his hooves detonating like muffled grenades as they crunched the powdery snow. We’d traveled over timeworn mountains, through tomblike valleys and flash-frozen rivers. I plan on rewarding Blitzen with his favorite food once we’re back in Santa’s Village. It’ll be agaric mushrooms for life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
First things first though: I cock my crossbow.
Clink.
Upon hearing that sound, Frost forces his knees and elbows to move faster. He fights for his life like a desperate wild animal at death’s door. The expression of terror on his face is absolutely priceless. I wonder if he’ll start begging soon. Even if he does, it won’t do him any good. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger and send one final bolt into his black heart.
For my friends…for my parents…
“Mmm,” I utter, savoring the moment. “This is even better than I imagined.” As I loom over him, a sudden wave of fury grips me. I violently plant my boot in his shoulder, prompting a muffled groan from him. Through gritted teeth I hiss, “And I’ve imagined this a lot.”
I remove my foot. Frost rolls over onto his back and gazes up at me in defeat. “Don’t do this, Lucian. Please.”
Ah, finally.
“Do you think begging is going to help? It didn’t help my parents or the other elves. They died just the same, all shaking, bleeding, and crying…and all because of you.” I point the loaded crossbow at his chest. “Now it’s your turn to die.”
“Wait!” He lifts up a trembling hand. “I can grant you great powers, unimaginable abilities, even immortality! Y-you could be the most powerful elf who’s ever lived!”
“Power?” I scoff. “I don’t want power. This is all I want.”
“Revenge won’t bring your parents back.”
I consider his words for a moment and do see the truth in them, but the rage inside pushes me on. “No, but it’s going to feel pretty good.” My finger slides the safety off.
Frost’s eyes widen.
Bzzz-bzzz-bzzz…
Suddenly a deep, loud sound echoes all about us, seemingly coming from every direction. They disturb the serene beauty of this frozen, crystal paradise where Frost is meant to meet his doom. Puzzled, I lower my crossbow and search for the source. My eyes scan through the tall, gray trees, their skeletal wooden arms knocking against one another in the slight breeze, but I catch nothing in my gaze except the clear, blue skies beyond. What the heck’s going on? Confused, I dart my eyes in every direction. And why is that annoying buzzing getting louder?
Beep! Beep! Beep!
A sense of déjà vu hits me.
Wait! That sound… Isn’t that…?
The beeping continues to assault my ears for several more moments, muddling my senses.
“No!” I wail when I finally remember. “No! Not yet!”
My desperate cries prove futile, though, as my crossbow melts in my hands. Its liquefied remnants splash at my feet. It doesn’t take long for the surrounding trees to follow suit, forming charcoal-gray puddles on the ground. Blitzen, too, begins to disintegrate where he stands. His fur, flesh, and bones dissolves into a paste and seep into the ground
“No!” Without wasting time, I jump on Frost, wrap my hands around his cold neck, and begin to viciously choke him. “I’ll kill you with my bare hands!”
Rather than panicking or pleading for mercy, he only laughs in my face, knowing full well it’s too late. His flesh quickly melts like hot wax until my fingers are kneading the remaining mess.
I punch the ground with my fists again and again, even as they start melting away. “Come on! I just needed another minute!”
As I beg for more time, I feel my bones softening, becoming more pliable, like iron morphing into licorice. Soon I am unable to hold my weight, and I topple over, falling to the icy ground.
Author Bio:
Max Dune is a Southern writer who spent most his childhood watching TV, devouring comic books and weaving magical worlds in his head. In his mid-twenties, he decided to follow his true passion. He has since created a number of short stories, novels, screenplays and TV pilots. To be alerted to future books and giveaways, please sign up for his newsletter at http://eepurl.com/b5Is91
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Star Struck by Meredith Michelle
Star Struck by Meredith Michelle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Star Struck is a book with a bit of a twist that let’s the reader control what happens in the story. For anyone that may remember the choose your own adventure type of books for children this story is done much the same way that while you get to the end of a section you are given a choice as to what your character will do next in the story. This leads the book to have several different scenarios that could potentially take place based on the readers choices so even having read through once you could go back and make different choices and read a completely different story.
In Star Struck the reader is Anna Chambliss, a beautiful Hollywood actress engaged to a gorgeous Hollywood star but things are not quite perfect in Anna’s world. Everything in the story depends on the choices the reader makes for Anna and her future happiness all depend on what is chosen and who is chosen to do it with.
I have to admit that my main attraction to this book was a fond remembrance of the choose your own adventure books as a child. This story is definitely not for children though and if judging simply on the story within the book I may not have been a huge fan but with the picking the action as I went along it became a fun read in that regard. The story on it’s own however is a bit simple as far as what is going on, Hollywood star living a scandalous type of life but changing things here and there made it a fun read.
Overall, a naughty way to remember your childhood reading adventures with a simple story line but fun to pick and choose what the character would do.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
The Countess Refuses by Katy Walters blitz with giveaway
The Countess Refuses
Katy Walter
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance
With the deaths of both her parents, Miss Cassandra Whitney is left to care for her sisters and young brother. Now, unless her younger sister Isabella, gives in to the odious attentions of their landlord, Baron Nash Scudder of Urswick the family face eviction. She is both shocked and relieved to receive news of an inheritance from her estranged great grandfather the illustrious Earl of Elsborough. Her solicitor explains her grandpapa changed the entailment of his will to include the female line as he was loathe to allow the title to pass to a distant relative, a wastrel who had already frittered away a fortune. To Cassie’s relief and delight, not only does she inherit a title, but a substantial estate on the outskirts of Bath, which includes a ruin of a castle, farms and three villages albeit derelict.
News of the inheritance travelled fast throughout the south of England drawing in the avaricious designs of the ton. A certain dowager duchess sees the castle as a perfect ploy to raise her son’s and therefore her own status in the top ten. Such is her greed that she will stop at nothing to gain control of the castle. Her son, Maximillian, the illustrious sixth Duke of Taunton with a penchant for well-endowed mistresses has other plans. Can Cassie fight off these two predators, can she save the castle and her family?
The Countess Refuses is now up for nomination to publish on Amazon!
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EXCERPT:
Jack sat down on the rickety settle whilst Belle, the love of his heart busied herself making tea.
Cassie sat across from him, perching on a three-legged stool; furniture was sparse in the little cottage. ‘Jack dearest, this morning, we had a visitor by the name of Mr. Arkwright, who informed me my great grandpapa entailed part of his fortune to the female line. It is my good fortune to inherit one of his estates near Bath, and … the title of Countess.’
‘Good Lord Cassie, an estate you say?’
‘Yes, a ruined castle, messuages, villages, farms, meadows, pastures and livestock.’
‘You never mentioned you be rich Cass.’
‘I was not Jack; it was a delicate matter; my mother refused to speak of her parents. However, Mr. Arkwright informs us our grandmother was cast out by her family, because she eloped with a commoner.’
‘So you are—?’
‘Commoners too, and proud of it, but now that has all changed.’
Jack grinned. ‘Then I must doff my cap to you all.’
‘Oh no Jack,’ Belle murmured, stroking the rugged jaw.
‘I have the deeds here.’ Cassie said, walking to the dresser. Reaching up for the key, she unlocked a drawer, taking out the roll of parchments and handing them to him.
Jack saw the coat of arms and insignia. ‘I can’t read Cassie, but it looks grand. So I am sitting here in this kitchen with gentry.’
Belle laughed, taking his hand. ‘Cassie has inherited—’
‘Belle,’ Cassie interrupted. ‘I intend to share this good fortune with you, Rosamond, Amelia and Teddy.’ She smiled at the bright faces of her family. ‘Tis a dream come true.’
Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling author, Katy Walters’s e.books and paperbacks are read in their thousands, and her pages equally so, in Kindle Unlimited. Katy lives in the midst of Regency towns on the South Coast of England. Being of Welsh and Irish parentage, her novels tend towards Celtic themes. Her main interests are historical and regency romance with an underlying theme of time travel. She is equally drawn to the paranormal myths of the Dark Ages, the pre-medieval era, where the ancient Britons were known as the People of the Trees. It was an era of travelling knights and their ladies, of ancient shamans and shapeshifting wolves and dragons.
Katy’s enjoyed an eclectic career, delighting in every one of her occupations. Although her childhood dream was to be a writer, Katy endured some dark times in her young life that made it impossible for her to reach her goals. On leaving school, the office beckoned and became her prison, one she managed to escape taking up operatic singing. Katy was spotted in London by an agent who managed Tommy Steel and Cliff
Richards to name a few. Becoming the lead singer in a girl trio, she toured England and abroad, meeting with some famous names of the day in the music world. On marrying the love of her life, she chose to raise a family, enjoying every moment with her spouse and children. Later on returning to university, Katy went on to enjoy a long and rich career as a research psychologist, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist.
Katy then took up painting and was thrilled with this new world. Her husband and family encouraged her all the way. Pop Art was her main love and to her delight, her paintings were used as the theme for a new restaurant built on Miami Beach. But then her first love, writing, beckoned, and she was in a position to write to her heart’s content. It was a dream come true when Amazon opened up the doors to publishing.
Even now Katy has times where she has to fight to banish those early memories in her life, memories she said, are like scars, they fade, but never go away. But in those times, she boots up the PC and turns to the next chapter in her life, embracing each new interest as a support that becomes a delight.
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Thrust by Sybil Bartel blitz with giveaway
Thrust
Sybil Bartel
Publication date: December 6th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Alex
I know the game. I know the angle. I know how to make you beg.
My hands on your body, my mouth hovering over yours—I’ll tell you everything you want to hear. Ten inches of real estate never felt so good.
But don’t take my word for it. My client list is long and my motto is short—one single thrust and you’re mine. I’m not good at what I do, I’m fantastic. But satisfaction doesn’t come cheap. So open your wallet and prepare to forget your name. I’m about to ruin you for any other man.
One single thrust and you’re mine.
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EXCERPT:
“How do you wanna settle up?” I tied off the condom and slipped it into my pocket as I pulled my pants up. Rule number one—never leave behind any evidence.
Naked except for her heels, she got off the bed and sauntered to her purse. “How much?”
“Four grand.” I smiled like I was checking her out.
“Four?”
I took two strides and tipped her chin. “Two rounds and oral. You want a third? I just got hard watching that ass of yours.” I could fit in another quickie before my next appointment.
She smiled coyly. “Maybe next time.”
I held back my laugh, just barely. I was hung as hell. If she wasn’t sore from all that pounding, my name wasn’t Alex Vega. “You know where to find me.” I dropped her chin. “Cash or credit?”
She handed me her card and I swiped it through the small credit card reader attached to my cell phone. “Need me to text you a receipt?”
She smiled. “Receipt?”
“Deep tissue massage.” I was legit as fuck. I’d even gotten the damn massage therapist license. “Medical expense. You can deduct it on your taxes.” I winked. “You’re welcome.”
She shook her head but she looked amused. The card went through and I got dressed ASAP. Rule number two—never stick around—unless they pay you.
“So….” She twirled her hair like she was twelve. “What are you doing Saturday night? I’m looking for a date to this fundraiser that’s for—”
I was already shaking my head. “Sorry, babe. I don’t do show and tell. Strictly bedroom scenes. But text me after if you’re bored.” I shot her my money smile and buckled my Ferragamo belt then threw on the jacket of my custom-tailored suit. Stepping into my loafers sans socks, I was out. “Later, gorgeous.” Three steps backward, a wink for good measure and I turned.
On the elevator ride to the lobby, I checked my messages, scheduled three more clients and pulled up my E-Trade account balance. Nothing got me hard like seven digits in a row.
Author Bio:
Sybil Bartel grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling. She loves the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes her swoon.
Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she isn’t writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about Sybil.
She grew up a faculty brat. She can swear like a sailor. She loves men in uniform. She hates being told what to do. She can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks her out. Her favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—she can’t decide. She has a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on her for driving
directions, ever. And she has a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell her husband.
To find out more about Sybil Bartel, be sure to follow her on Twitter (she loves to hear about your favorite book boyfriend!), visit her website, like her on Facebook or join her Facebook group Book Boyfriend Heroes for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.
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Cover Reveal: Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough
Nelumbo Nucifera
Cristina Slough
Publication date: January 24th 2017
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller
On the surface, Gaby Parker has it all; however, behind closed doors, is a woman who lives in constant fear of the man who was supposed to love her: her husband, Kyle. Beaten, desperate, and broken, Gaby realizes the only way to escape from her violent husband is to kill herself — on paper. Gaby is dead, and Riley Locklin is born, residing in the tranquil coastal town of Chesswick Bay Montauk where she hopes to start over and meets a man who shows her bruises aren’t kisses.
Meanwhile, back home, Kyle is doing everything in his power to prove Gaby isn’t dead.
But…police find her burnt-out car and remains?
Kyle isn’t buying it; he knows she’s still alive. He launches his own full investigation to find his wife — and he’ll stop at nothing to claim her back. A female Detective assigned to his wife’s case doesn’t like him very much after discovering a domestic violence report – scorned by the history of her mother’s domestic abuse, she’s determined to send Kyle down for his wife’s murder.
And then he finds her. Will Gaby finally take a stand?
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Author Bio:
Novelist, movie addict, and animal lover, Cristina Slough is the author of:
Nelumbo Nucifera and Till Death Us Do Part.
Cristina has always been a bookworm, rarely seen without a pen and paper in her hand, she loves delving into a literacy fictional world of her own.
Although Cristina loves pink and fluffy, her writing isn’t. She loves to focus on raw human emotion and gritty story lines; she’s very fond of messing with her readers heads by weaving twists into her books.
Cristina is married to Adam, who runs a successful business; together they share their Bedfordshire home with their son, and several spoiled pets. As a family, they love to travel frequently, the United States being a firm favorite.
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